Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
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Would a Buddha ever lie about lying?
Would an enlightened person (stream enterer at the minimum) ever [falsely] make the claim that he is lying?
Would an enlightened person (stream enterer at the minimum) ever [falsely] make the claim that he is lying?
Erik Kaplun
(273 rep)
Dec 13, 2022, 01:13 PM
• Last activity: Dec 14, 2022, 04:05 AM
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Anatta & reincarnation
**Buddhism** 1. *Anatta* (no-self doctrine) 2. Reincarnation (death-rebirth cycle in *samsara*) How can something that *doesn't exist* reincarnate?
**Buddhism**
1. *Anatta* (no-self doctrine)
2. Reincarnation (death-rebirth cycle in *samsara*)
How can something that *doesn't exist* reincarnate?
Hudjefa
(121 rep)
Dec 13, 2022, 03:39 PM
• Last activity: Dec 14, 2022, 03:54 AM
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looking for a particular sutta
i'm after the sutta where the Buddha says something like 'you can get to know another person if you have some awareness and wisdom, but even then you must live close by and observe them in all their activities, not for a short time, but for a long time'.
i'm after the sutta where the Buddha says something like 'you can get to know another person if you have some awareness and wisdom, but even then you must live close by and observe them in all their activities, not for a short time, but for a long time'.
tony
(11 rep)
Dec 13, 2022, 09:29 PM
• Last activity: Dec 14, 2022, 02:28 AM
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Experiences in Meditation: Am I stucked?
I meditate (Shamata) since a few years now. According to my meditation time I have 430 hours meditated. (Just for context related to my question). I stopped smoking weed a few months ago. Practicing now daily. Around 1 hour. My concentration is far better. I realize bodily experiences – mainly...
I meditate (Shamata) since a few years now. According to my meditation time I have 430 hours meditated. (Just for context related to my question). I stopped smoking weed a few months ago. Practicing now daily. Around 1 hour. My concentration is far better. I realize bodily experiences – mainly feeling "light", sometimes "happy". Body / muscles are sometimes twitching mainly in spine area and nape of the neck. All in all I feel fine and realize that this is a huge motivation in meditating now. It also happens that in ordinary life I can switch (a bit) into this body mode. Fine. But I am a bit anxious, that it will stop here and I do not make further progress – except for maybe feeling better. How do I not get distracted from the ultimate goal? Should I switch now for a time into analytical meditation? But I've once read, that you should switch to this, when you have mastered Shamata for far more than an hour. I have no teacher, no meditation group or whatever. So I am asking here. What are your experiences on your path related to this feeling of "bliss" (light, in my case) I also asked, because I read, that you can be a good meditation practitioner, but it will not help you for your rebirth, if you are distracted / dwelling in this "bliss" moments. Thank you for your time. All the best
S.H
(298 rep)
Nov 9, 2022, 02:30 PM
• Last activity: Dec 12, 2022, 01:46 PM
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Can there be other paths to end suffering
Why should we consider Buddha's path as the one and only path to end suffering? Can there be a path (let's say through science) where we get to understand how everything got created including consciousness which can be help us identify ways in which to eliminate suffering may be for all of us?
Why should we consider Buddha's path as the one and only path to end suffering? Can there be a path (let's say through science) where we get to understand how everything got created including consciousness which can be help us identify ways in which to eliminate suffering may be for all of us?
peter
(19 rep)
Nov 24, 2022, 09:47 AM
• Last activity: Dec 11, 2022, 11:08 AM
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3
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'Sankhara' Dependent Origination: Bhikkhu Analayo vs Bhikkhu Thanissaro. Which is right?
About 'sankhara' in Dependent Origination as found in SN 12.2 of the Pali suttas, Bhikkhu Analayo said the following: [![enter image description here][1]][1] Bhikkhu Thanissaro said the following: [![enter image description here][2]][2] [![enter image description here][3]][3] [1]: https://i.sstatic....
About 'sankhara' in Dependent Origination as found in SN 12.2 of the Pali suttas, Bhikkhu Analayo said the following:
Bhikkhu Thanissaro said the following:
Which is right and why? Bhikkhu Analayo or Bhikkhu Thanissaro?
Bhikkhu Thanissaro said the following:
Which is right and why? Bhikkhu Analayo or Bhikkhu Thanissaro?
Paraloka Dhamma Dhatu
(48159 rep)
Jan 24, 2019, 06:52 AM
• Last activity: Dec 9, 2022, 07:20 PM
3
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How to reveal truth about a liar or a person who is trying to deceive others?
If someone is intentionally deceiving someone else and if I am aware of it, if I inform the innocent person in this matter, would that be against five precepts?
If someone is intentionally deceiving someone else and if I am aware of it, if I inform the innocent person in this matter, would that be against five precepts?
Theravada
(4001 rep)
Oct 31, 2015, 10:10 PM
• Last activity: Dec 9, 2022, 03:49 PM
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Avici in the Mahayana
It is very well known that it is "[terrible karma][1]", beyond even Amida's assistance, to physically draw the blood of a Buddha. Is that *any* kind of Buddha, a zen or vajrayana or scholastic master, or only Sakyamuni and the next Buddhist messiah? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anantarika-karm...
It is very well known that it is "terrible karma ", beyond even Amida's assistance, to physically draw the blood of a Buddha. Is that *any* kind of Buddha, a zen or vajrayana or scholastic master, or only Sakyamuni and the next Buddhist messiah?
user19950
Nov 3, 2022, 02:23 AM
• Last activity: Dec 8, 2022, 02:45 AM
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Xin Ling Fa Men 心灵法门 - Little House
Master Lu ("New" Buddhism) most famous method of healing which is burning little house which i believe forbidden by Buddhism. [Little House][1] There are many psychologies study supporting that burning negative thought can have some form of mental issue healing. I do that sometime but not little hou...
Master Lu ("New" Buddhism) most famous method of healing which is burning little house which i believe forbidden by Buddhism. Little House
There are many psychologies study supporting that burning negative thought can have some form of mental issue healing. I do that sometime but not little house.
Burning Letter and Letting Go
Q) May i know where is the Sutta written that this is forbidden ?
Related post - Xin Lin Fa Men
> Learning Buddhism is to Change Destiny
Xin Ling Fa Men Branches
little star
(185 rep)
Nov 10, 2021, 03:04 PM
• Last activity: Dec 7, 2022, 01:43 PM
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Find the motivation to meditate
I know that when I meditate I become very efficient and quick in my work. Do you have any tips for motivating yourself to meditate during the day? I had thought about putting an alarm on my cell phone once or twice a day to encourage me to meditate, but it seems that is not enough. I need something...
I know that when I meditate I become very efficient and quick in my work. Do you have any tips for motivating yourself to meditate during the day? I had thought about putting an alarm on my cell phone once or twice a day to encourage me to meditate, but it seems that is not enough. I need something more automatic than that. Something to give me a little kick to meditate 15-20 minutes during the day.
J.Doe
(11 rep)
Nov 28, 2022, 05:48 PM
• Last activity: Dec 7, 2022, 08:16 AM
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Does the Samajivina Sutta imply that a Buddhist should only marry another Buddhist?
Does the [Samajivina Sutta][1] imply that a Buddhist should only marry another Buddhist? Or does it leave room for Buddhists to [marry non-Buddhists][2]? [1]: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.055.than.html [2]: https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/q/30528/471
Does the Samajivina Sutta imply that a Buddhist should only marry another Buddhist?
Or does it leave room for Buddhists to marry non-Buddhists ?
ruben2020
(41270 rep)
Dec 5, 2022, 04:57 AM
• Last activity: Dec 6, 2022, 07:38 AM
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what is the main difference between Yogachara and Madhyamaka?
According to Wikipedia, there are two main schools in Mahayana, [Yogachara][1] and [Madhyamaka][2]. Could you tell me the main difference in doctrine between these two? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yogachara [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhyamaka
According to Wikipedia, there are two main schools in Mahayana, Yogachara and Madhyamaka .
Could you tell me the main difference in doctrine between these two?
zzzgoo
(111 rep)
Dec 5, 2022, 01:29 PM
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3
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Looking for Sutta reference for Mindfulness Meditation
I am looking for a sutra where the Buddha explains Mindfulness Meditation. Specifically, Mindfulness of body, Mindfulness of Thoughts, and Mindfulness of Feelings.
I am looking for a sutra where the Buddha explains Mindfulness Meditation. Specifically, Mindfulness of body, Mindfulness of Thoughts, and Mindfulness of Feelings.
The White Cloud
(2420 rep)
Dec 2, 2022, 01:05 PM
• Last activity: Dec 5, 2022, 12:46 PM
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3
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Do we have to commit sins because of another's karma
I have a big question since my childhood and everyone I asked, failed to answer. Please help me. Imagine that there are three men A, B and C. A kills B and commit a sin in a previous bhava. Now A have the karma and C kills A in the next bhawa as a result of A's Karma. My question is, does C make a n...
I have a big question since my childhood and everyone I asked, failed to answer. Please help me.
Imagine that there are three men A, B and C.
A kills B and commit a sin in a previous bhava. Now A have the karma and C kills A in the next bhawa as a result of A's Karma.
My question is, does C make a new karma because of A's Karma.
Sorry for my bad english.
Have a good day ahead.
Chamodh Nethsara
(21 rep)
Dec 2, 2022, 05:37 AM
• Last activity: Dec 3, 2022, 07:32 PM
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Can open monitoring meditation lead to states of Jhana?
I have read about the states of Jhana through Focused Attention Meditation by focusing on breath in Ajahn Brahm's book **Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond**. But I find it extremely difficult to focus my attention on my breath. Instead, I practice Open Monitoring Meditation (OMM) which I understand as m...
I have read about the states of Jhana through Focused Attention Meditation by focusing on breath in Ajahn Brahm's book **Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond**. But I find it extremely difficult to focus my attention on my breath.
Instead, I practice Open Monitoring Meditation (OMM) which I understand as mindfulness of the present moment, being aware of all the sense faculties and not reacting to them or getting carried away by thoughts. What I find most useful is to be aware of the activity in my skull or my brain. If I focus on this activity it seems to diminish. I have gotten this method by myself.
My question is, will the OMM lead to the states of Jhana? and What will be the first stage towards it?
The White Cloud
(2420 rep)
Nov 23, 2022, 03:25 PM
• Last activity: Dec 2, 2022, 01:41 PM
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Referencing MN 121, how to focus on the oneness dependent on the perception of the dimension of infinite space?
Referencing [MN 121][1] > '...focuses on the oneness dependent on the perception of the dimension > of infinite space...' As I understand the perception of the dimension of space is the experience inside Jhana. Why did the Buddha tell Ananda to focus on oneness directly? Is this sutra meant for adva...
Referencing MN 121
> '...focuses on the oneness dependent on the perception of the dimension
> of infinite space...'
As I understand the perception of the dimension of space is the experience inside Jhana. Why did the Buddha tell Ananda to focus on oneness directly? Is this sutra meant for advanced practitioners who can focus on the infinite space?
My question is how to achieve this focus?
The White Cloud
(2420 rep)
Dec 1, 2022, 02:27 PM
• Last activity: Dec 2, 2022, 09:21 AM
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Am I "studying" too much and practicing too little?
I am new to practicing Buddhism. I was first introduced to it through reading "What The Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula. Since then I've begun practicing Ānāpānasati and zazen, as well as reading suttas from the Pali Canon and writings from Zen teachers like Gudo Nishijima and Brad Warner. I often...
I am new to practicing Buddhism. I was first introduced to it through reading "What The Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula. Since then I've begun practicing Ānāpānasati and zazen, as well as reading suttas from the Pali Canon and writings from Zen teachers like Gudo Nishijima and Brad Warner.
I often find myself in a kind of "information-hoarding" mind-state where I voraciously read, save, and make notes about things I find interesting about Buddhism. Recently I have felt, however, that my time could perhaps be better spent. I don't meditate every day, but my readings seem to suggest that meditation is very important for developing insight and "direct realization".
I also have realized that much of my "studying Buddhism" occurs while procrastinating tasks I dislike (i.e. studying, applying to jobs). I realize that this aversion itself may cause greater suffering for me, and I should probably try to not value one thing over another, as long as they're all correct actions.
How can I simplify my practice and build up my confidence? Are my thoughts reasonable?
Thank you for your time; be well
carbonguac
(43 rep)
Nov 18, 2022, 06:37 AM
• Last activity: Dec 1, 2022, 08:37 AM
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What does the Buddha mean by this quote? "There is no punishment for anger. It is the anger which will punish you."
> There is no punishment for anger. It is the anger which will punish you I pondered on this for a few hours now but can't understand the meaning. Tnx for all the help
> There is no punishment for anger. It is the anger which will punish you
I pondered on this for a few hours now but can't understand the meaning.
Tnx for all the help
user7062
Feb 6, 2016, 02:16 PM
• Last activity: Dec 1, 2022, 02:42 AM
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Will actors really go to hell?
In the [Talaputta Sutra][1], the Buddha says that actors will either be reborn as an animal or go to hell. > When an actor on the stage, [he thinks that] after death, he is reborn > in the company of the laughing devas,' that is his wrong view. Now, > there are two destinations for a person with wro...
In the Talaputta Sutra , the Buddha says that actors will either be reborn as an animal or go to hell.
> When an actor on the stage, [he thinks that] after death, he is reborn
> in the company of the laughing devas,' that is his wrong view. Now,
> there are two destinations for a person with wrong view, I tell you:
> either hell or the animal womb.
Why does the Buddha have such a dim view of actors? I can imagine all kinds of professions that would be less ethical than acting. Was acting a very different sort of profession in India 2500 years ago? Would the same kind of fate be shared with actors today? Are actors frowned upon in modern day Buddhist countries?
The motivation for this question is that I am due to give a talk on right livelihood at a local Buddhist centre. The last time I did this talk I told this story. Unfortunately, there was an actor in the group and she was shocked. I couldn't really justify this harsh opinion, so I just muttered an apology and moved on.
Many thanks for any/all responses.
Crab Bucket
(21199 rep)
Feb 14, 2015, 05:36 PM
• Last activity: Dec 1, 2022, 02:42 AM
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What Bad Karma Awaits Adulterers?
Will they get to suffer in hell? I am trying to find out more about their fate..I know that if you get angry a lot you get reborn ugly..But what happens to people who cheat on you??Will they get cheated on in a future life?Or will a worser fate await them..? I vaguely heard Ajahn Brahm talk about th...
Will they get to suffer in hell? I am trying to find out more about their fate..I know that if you get angry a lot you get reborn ugly..But what happens to people who cheat on you??Will they get cheated on in a future life?Or will a worser fate await them..? I vaguely heard Ajahn Brahm talk about the Nirayas and he did mention a hell where adulterers go to.Is this true..
Is there really a special kind of hell for adulterers..if yes what happens to them there?
Thank you
Orion
(3162 rep)
Apr 29, 2015, 12:34 AM
• Last activity: Nov 29, 2022, 11:27 AM
Showing page 79 of 20 total questions